Friday 12 June 2015

Asia-Pacific region ‘needs cleaner coal technologies’

The Asia-Pacific region needs cleaner coal technologies.

That’s according Benjamin Sporton Chief Executive of the World Coal Association (WCA) who spoke at an energy conference in Tokyo.

He said: “Many countries in the APEC [Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation] region are turning to coal to fuel their growing economies.

“For many countries coal is the fuel of choice because it is easily accessible, affordable and reliable. It helps build strong competitive economies".

The APEC is a forum for 21 Pacific Rim member economies which promotes free trade throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Southeast Asia, which is a key part of the APEC region, is forecast to see coal demand growth of 4.8% a year through to 2035, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

The IEA also estimates electricity from coal in China, a major APEC economy, to grow to 5,545TWh in 2040 compared to the current 3,812TWh.

Coal is expected to remain the dominant source of electricity in the APEC region until 2040, according to energy experts.

Mr Sporton added: “The huge role coal is playing and is forecast to play in the APEC region for decades to come highlights the imperative of international action on cleaner coal technologies.”